Boise River opens for 2023 Float Season

BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — Idahoans took to the Boise, basking in the warm summertime conditions as they floated gently down the river.

The Boise River opened for it's official float season, Thursday, June 29th, with the river flowing at around 1,200 CFS.

Barber Park, the official start point for floating, opened to a somewhat sizeable crowd, given the weekday and announcement one day prior. Boise Parks and Rec Director Doug Holloway, spoke earlier on Wednesday about what float season means to the community.

"You know, it's really a nostalgic cultural part of living in the city of Boise," Holloway said. "Everyone has to float the river at least once a summer and we know people that float it multiple times during the day."

Getting the river ready for recreational use was about a week-long process, but Boise Fire crews had to wait till river levels dropped to a safe enough level. Dive Captain for BFD, Scott Hall, noted that a lot of clearing was done in preparation for opening.

"We go out on the jet boat and the jet skis and we look for all the obvious river hazards," Hall said.

He noted however, that there would always be dangers, saying that the river can never be "100% safe."

If you're floating for the first time, there are some things worth knowing beforehand.

"If you've never been here before, the first thing to realize is the water is very cold," Hall said. "It's very important to wear shoes and obviously we want everyone to wear a PFD, a lifejacket, and like I said earlier, kids 14 and under, required by law. Everyone should wear one."

New for everyone, is Float the Boise, an interactive website designed by the city and Ada County to improve floaters' experiences on the river.

"We designed it really for someone that is just new to Boise and new to floating the river, but it's really for all of our users to be able to have an opportunity to see what's going on in the river, before they get in the river," Holloway said.

The river is free to float in, but the shuttle between Ann Morrison Park and Barber Park is $3. Parking at Barber Park is $7 while parking at Ann Morrison is free.

Please note, no parking will be available at Ann Morrison Park on July 4, due to the celebrations at the park.

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